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Grinnell College vs Northwestern University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Grinnell College
#63
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA
Private
Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Grinnell, IA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

1,788

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

1,788

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

14.5%

7.7%

Average GPA

3.89

4.00

SAT Range

1410–1540

1510–1570

ACT Range

31–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$75

Total Applicants

9,758

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$77,830

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$15,608

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$60,988

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,988

$62,391

Room & Board

$16,842

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

94.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$49,077

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

93.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$62,830

$89,363

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Grinnell is in Grinnell, IA

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 15%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Northwestern University is more selective than Grinnell College.

The average net price at Grinnell College is $15,608 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Grinnell College is $11,535 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Grinnell College typically score between 1410-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Grinnell College has a graduation rate of 89%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Grinnell College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Grinnell College, 94% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $49,077. At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Grinnell College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $62,830, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University graduates. Graduates from Northwestern University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA in a town: remote setting. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.